Just below the immature White Ibis of my previous post an adult was actively feeding in the pond.
His coloration was not as bright as the White Ibis In Florida but he was still pretty striking. The streaks on his wings might be juvenile remnants, or mud.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 26, 2026
An immature White Ibis perched on the boardwalk railing, just looking around.
He’ll gradually lose that splotchy brown look this year as he molts into adult plumage and his legs and bill will turn from orange-pink to reddish pink.
He does have the bright blue eyes
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 26, 2026
Black-crowned Night-herons have arrived at Magnolia: I saw at least twenty fly in, some singly and some in groups of three or four, and disperse into the trees. Previous years they have nested here and I’m hoping we’ll see that again.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 26, 2026
An immature Wood Stork still sporting some fuzzy feathers on his head provided me with left and right profile views while a young White Ibis looked on.
Titusville Road, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
February 25, 2026
This striking White Ibis was perched in a tree along Titusville Road.
Fortunately for me there was room to safely pull off the road.
Even better for me, the Ibis wasn’t alone.
Titusville Road, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
February 25, 2026
The tide was in and water in the ponds was high so the wading birds were taking spots in the trees.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 5, 2025
This scene unfolded on the back side of Lodge Pond where a pool of water formed as the pond drained.
Wading birds follow the food, and they are not bothered by the presence of Alligators.
Although maybe the Snowy Egret center front should have been.
The Alligators were actually chewing on whatever they found in the water but I have seen them snap at and catch a bird.
All good for the Snowy, this time!
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
Sometimes birds just make me laugh.
Usually it is the Snowy Egrets with comical behavior but this time a Roseate Spoonbill was feeding away from the bigger group and seemed to have something to say.
Then he took a short-hop flight over the Snowy Egret.
Landed with more drama…
…then took a walk.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
Back and forth, following the food, and each other, a group of Roseate Spoonbills was feeding up against a hummock in Lodge Pond.
A few Wood Storks were at the edge of the group, sticking to the shadows.
Then, following a leader on some secret signal, all the Spoonbills walked onto the exposed grass…
…and crossed to the open water on the other side…
…paying no attention to the alligators.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
Wading birds often follow each other, presuming that the leader has spotted some food.
A Snowy Egret that landing in the grass near the bank of the pond attracted a Great Egret.
That was then followed by another Snowy Egret…
…photo bombing the Great Egret. Or maybe vice-versa.
I didn’t see any of them get anything to eat.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 19, 2025
